PC build help

[wabachi]

Hello, I am considering building a pc that would be used for gaming. I'm not too fussed on the graphics of my game but would like to be able to play every game at some level. this is my current idea but any guidance or recommendations would be greatly appreciated

Cpu: Intel quad core i7 4790k
Gpu: SAPPHIRE AMD R9 280 Graphics Card (3GB, DDR5)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z97P-D3 Intel LGA1150 Z97 ATX
Ram: Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 Mhz
Psu: Corsair Builder Series CXM 600W Modular 80 PLUS Bronze
Storage: 1TB WD caviar blue
Wifi: TP-LINK TL-WDN4800 N900
Case: Zalman Z3 Plus ATX/M-ATX Tower Case

 

[wabachi]

It is worth mentioning that i also plan on streaming on twitch from this pc and will be using it as my main computer for university work

 

[datguy20]

Just from a quick look at the pictures of the motherboard (which I did because you listed the K version of the 4790), the VRM power phases look like they wouldn't be very good for overclocking. I only say this because you have the K version listed, but if you don't plan on overclocking the board will probably work fine (then you wouldn't need the K version though).

The 280 is decent, I have a 7950, which is pretty much the same thing. It runs pretty well. I ran Witcher 3 at decent graphical settings and it didn't stutter or frame noticably. My GPU is overclocked though.

As for your hard drive, I would recommend a cheap SSD if you can afford it. The difference is quite large compared to a HDD. Of course, if you need the storage you could go for a small SSD and then a cheap large HDD.

You didn't note any CPU cooler, but once again I'm assuming you'll be overclocking, so you might want to look into a few choices. For light to no overclocks, anything from a Hyper 212 to a Cryorig H7 would work (technically the stock cooler will work, but not very well). For heavy overclocks and staying on air, I would recommend either a Noctua NH-D14 or NH-D15 (the 15 being slightly better). If you get that you'll have to make sure your ram is compatible though.

Just some thoughts though...

 

[C12Friedman]

I have a few critiques to begin with, the Core i7 CPU isn't needed for gaming, the four virtual cores offered by hyper-threading aren't currently put to use by any games I'm aware of so ~$100 can be saved there by using a Core i5 instead.
Another issue I have is that this seems to be a high quality build but you've got an entry level power supply, take some of the savings from the CPU downgrade and apply it to a higher quality PSU of 500W or more.
Last, IMO, the addition of an SSD for OS/boot would be nice (not a necessity) for making the system seem snappier overall
That's all I got

 

[datguy20]

I have a few critiques to begin with, the Core i7 CPU isn't needed for gaming, the four virtual cores offered by hyper-threading aren't currently put to use by any games I'm aware of so ~$100 can be saved there by using a Core i5 instead.
Another issue I have is that this seems to be a high quality build but you've got an entry level power supply, take some of the savings from the CPU downgrade and apply it to a higher quality PSU of 500W or more.
Last, IMO, the addition of an SSD for OS/boot would be nice (not a necessity) for making the system seem snappier overall
That's all I got

He did say he would be streaming to Twitch though, which would make the i7 worthwhile. The difference between an i5 and i7 (from my experience of the 3xxx line) means some dropped frames to none with the switch to i7. It's not massive, but I do recall my i5 3570 would routinely drop frames. Once I switched to the i7 3770k I never dropped frames.

 

[wabachi]

Just from a quick look at the pictures of the motherboard (which I did because you listed the K version of the 4790), the VRM power phases look like they wouldn't be very good for overclocking. I only say this because you have the K version listed, but if you don't plan on overclocking the board will probably work fine (then you wouldn't need the K version though).

The 280 is decent, I have a 7950, which is pretty much the same thing. It runs pretty well. I ran Witcher 3 at decent graphical settings and it didn't stutter or frame noticably. My GPU is overclocked though.

As for your hard drive, I would recommend a cheap SSD if you can afford it. The difference is quite large compared to a HDD. Of course, if you need the storage you could go for a small SSD and then a cheap large HDD.

You didn't note any CPU cooler, but once again I'm assuming you'll be overclocking, so you might want to look into a few choices. For light to no overclocks, anything from a Hyper 212 to a Cryorig H7 would work (technically the stock cooler will work, but not very well). For heavy overclocks and staying on air, I would recommend either a Noctua NH-D14 or NH-D15 (the 15 being slightly better). If you get that you'll have to make sure your ram is compatible though.

Just some thoughts though...

Im not planning on overclocking atm but would like the option in the future. would probably buy a 212 with this build aswell. could you recommend a cheap motherboard that would be better suited to this build and potentially overclocking in the future some time? also i would probably buy a small ssd at some point if i felt the computer was sluggish but trying to keep budget down atm

 

[C12Friedman]

He did say he would be streaming to Twitch though, which would make the i7 worthwhile...

Yes it would but that statement wasn't up when I started my response.
The second entry also brings the possibility of design work (if engineering student) which would make an NVidia GPU a little more desirable but don't I know at this point.
What is your intended major?

 

[wabachi]

He did say he would be streaming to Twitch though, which would make the i7 worthwhile...

Yes it would but that statement wasn't up when I started my response.
The second entry also brings the possibility of design work (if engineering student) which would make an NVidia GPU a little more desirable but don't I know at this point.
What is your intended major?

My degree is in diagnostic radiography which isnt computer dependant but would be using alot of word documents and such but nothing too demanding but might want to have multiple things open at once

 

[C12Friedman]

Okay, then NVidia won't help with that. I was looking more for something where the Cuda cores offered by NVidia would make a difference.
A few motherboard options to consider Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI , the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming5 and the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SOC (staying with Gigabyte for this)

 

[wabachi]

Okay, then NVidia won't help with that. I was looking more for something where the Cuda cores offered by NVidia would make a difference.
A few motherboard options to consider Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI , the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming5 and the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SOC (staying with Gigabyte for this)

New build idea
Cpu: Intel quad core i7 4790k
Gpu: SAPPHIRE AMD R9 280 Graphics Card (3GB, DDR5)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z97X-SLI Intel LGA1150 Z97 ATX Motherboard
Ram: Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 Mhz
Psu: Corsair Builder Series CXM 600W Modular 80 PLUS Bronze
Storage: 1TB WD caviar blue
Wifi: TP-LINK TL-WDN4800 N900
Case: Zalman Z3 Plus ATX/M-ATX Tower Case
Cpu cooler: 212 evo

 

[datguy20]

Im not planning on overclocking atm but would like the option in the future. would probably buy a 212 with this build aswell. could you recommend a cheap motherboard that would be better suited to this build and potentially overclocking in the future some time? also i would probably buy a small ssd at some point if i felt the computer was sluggish but trying to keep budget down atm

Count the little black boxes under the heatsink near the CPU to figure out the VRM amount. If you see 4 or 5 it's probably 4+1 phases, 6 or 7, it's probably a 6+1 phase. If you see 8 to 10 it's probably a 8+2 phase. If you see 12 or more, it's probably 12+2 phase. Note, this does not always work as some manufacturers use one "box" per two phases. Look up specs to find the actual amount.

For decent to high overclocks, an 8+2 is recommended, but a good 12+2 design is also just as good. Reviews are your friend in this area.

If you're overclocking, while you can get by on the 4+1 design of that motherboard (which I'm guessing by the look of it), it usually means less stability, higher temps at higher voltages, etc.

A decent board for medium/high overclocks would either be something with 6 phases to the CPU, or 8. 8 is preferable, but budget might restrict your choices.

Chances are you'll spend a minimum of $150 on a decent motherboard but here's a few that should work well. AsRock Z97 Extreme6 @ $160, AsRock Z97 OC Formula @ $200, Asus Maximus VII Hero @ $200. Google is your friend when it comes to good overclocking motherboards, as I cannot cover every board.

You could also go with smaller size motherboards to further reduce the price. Quality motherboards all run comparably the same at any size, assuming the same design. You simply lose out on more PCI slots and Sata ports usually.

I'd recommend Overclock.net for more advice.

 

[C12Friedman]

A good tool for finding VRM info is provided by Sin's Hardware here http://sinhardware.com/index.php/vrm-list although it is not all-inclusive it is thorough